Navigating the Election Process for Students & First Time VotersA Beginners Guide to Election Rights, Rules and Regulations

First-time voters are some of the most important Americans to show up on Election Day because they represent the newest voices making their wishes for government known. Because Millennials now represent both the largest group of first-time voters and 31 percent of the population, their votes have the power to enact great change at the polls. But learning about how the voting process works and getting registered can seem overwhelming – especially for students or other young people who already have enough on their plates. The following guide simplifies what it takes to cast your first vote and offers helpful advice to prepare you for the polls. Keep reading to learn how easy it is to make a difference.

expert contributor

BRENDA A. GADD has worked in elections, local and state gove…Read full bio

How to Vote in Six Easy Steps

From registering to casting the first ballot, becoming a first-time voter is a process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Students and other first-timers can ensure their votes are counted fellow Americans by following a few basic steps listed below. There are countless resources available at both the state and federal level to help people unfamiliar with voting walk out of their polling station wearing an “I Voted!” sticker on election day.

Step 1: Register to Vote

Voter registration is not federally managed, meaning states and territories have unique requirements. Most states allow residents to register online, in person, or via a paper form, provided they are qualified to vote and meet the registration deadline. If a voter knows they won’t be in their state at the time of an election, they can fill out the Federal Postcard Application for absentee voting.

Step 2: Research Political Parties, Candidates

Being an informed voter allows individuals to select candidates based on their stated platforms without relying on party propaganda or media coverage. By researching parties and candidates, informed voters are able to make knowledgeable decisions about who their votes support. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities offers a comprehensive guide to becoming an informed voter.

Step 3: Know the Issues

Once a new voter is familiar with the basic tenets of political parties, they are able to learn about the issues at stake during the election. Be it a presidential or city council election, candidates almost always share the vision for their time in office on their website. Voters should review this information and consider how it aligns with their personal beliefs about how government should function.

Step 4: Check State Rules & Regulations

Most voting stations are open at least 12 hours on election day, allowing students or those with busy workdays ample time to vote. Although only 35 states currently require voters to show a photo ID, first-time voters who registered by mail have other requirements. According to federal law, individuals who have not voted previously must bring a valid photo ID or a bill, pay stub, or government document showing their name and current address.

Step 5: Find Your Polling Place

State election offices assign polling locations based on a voter’s address, so students and others who aren’t sure where to go to vote can either contact their election office or use Get to the Polls to find out where they should be. Information about state and local election offices can be found via the search tool on USA.gov.

Step 6: Cast Your Ballot

Gone are the days of hanging chads and delayed results, as states now use electronic voting systems, either optical scanning or touch screens on election day. Gizmodo provides a list of states and the type of machines used by each so students and other first-time voters feel confident and knowledgeable. Voters may not have to vote for every office on the ballot, and are also allowed a write-in if the candidate of their choosing is not on the official ballot.

Onward, First-Timers!

Of the more than 131 million votes cast during the 2008 election, first-time voters accounted for more than 15 million.

First-Time Voter Demographics

First-time voters mirror the same diversity shown in the general voting population, but often their interests reflect the shifting tide of generations – for example, Millennials are currently the largest group of first-time voters. Whether voting for the first time as a college student, a military member or an individual with disabilities, learn more about the resources available to you, and get information on how to connect with others who are passionate about similar issues below.

Why They Are Important: Students make up the largest group of first time voters. The median age for students was 27 in 2011 according to the Digest of Education, yet the U.S. Census shows eligible voters age 18 to 29 are consistently the least likely to actually cast a ballot. Because they are generally younger in age, students are often considered the next generation of voters, and carry a different perspective than their older counterparts.

Hot button issues for student voters may include the cost of college tuition, affordable health care coverage, minimum wage regulations and climate change.

A collection of voting resources for students from the New York University School of Law, the Brennan Center provides a guide to help students understand voting regulations, residency requirements and more, broken down for all 50 states.

Students can check their Secretary of State website for Student Voting information. This page, offered by the California Secretary of State, details information on student voter registration, voting by mail and new voter information.

Launched in 2012, the Campus Vote Project helps colleges and universities empower and encourage their students to vote. They provide voter education information and work to knock down the barriers and stigmas associated with voting.

This national civics education and leadership program focuses on familiarizing high school students with political processes. This site also provides voting information and registration resources for students.

A non-profit group that promotes student voting by offering easy online voter registration services and information, in an effort to get more students to the polls on election day.

Who: Anyone between the ages of 18 and 24

Why They Are Important: The youth population is made up of 46 million eligible voters – compared to 39 million senior voters – giving them significant influence over election results. Getting young people to take part in the election process early on encourages civic engagement and makes it more likely they’ll continue to be involved throughout their lifetimes – perhaps even running for office themselves one day.

This organization emphasizes issues important to youth voters and encourages their engagement in making a difference via the political process.

Who: Individuals who identify as LGBTQ and their Allies

Why They Are Important: LGBTQ individuals, and Americans who support equality and civil rights, make up an ever-growing and important portion of voters. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ comprise five percent of the voting population, while their allies significantly boost that number. Between 2001 and 2015, support for same-sex marriage has grown by 20 percent. Meanwhile, a study by the Human Rights Campaign found that the LGBTQ community’s votes in 2012 provided a significant increase to President Obama’s popular vote margins.

This national non-profit supports legislative agendas benefiting the LGBTQ community and keeps readers updated on important advancements in full civil rights.

Who: Current and former members of any branch of the U.S. Military

Why They Are Important: There are currently 24 million Americans, or 10 percent of eligible voters, who are active military members or veterans. In addition to those with direct experience, millions of other citizens support current or former members of the military, giving this population a significant amount of political sway. Military voters vary from other demographic groups such as young voters, representing Americans across the lifespan.

Hot button issues for military voters may include national security, foreign policy, health care and education.

One of the biggest considerations when voting absentee is the deadline for each state; this website provides details on when military voters need to send ballots, as well as voting information for military family members.

Why They Are Important: Long called a melting pot, America is home to a large number of people of different ethnicities and races with increasingly powerful voices when it comes to voting. A study by the Pew Research Center found that minority Americans will make up 31 percent of eligible voters in the 2016 election, a two percent increase since 2012.

By engaging with the Latino voting population, Voto Latino hopes to ensure more members of this minority show up at the polls and fully understand the issues important to them.

Who: Americans who believe in some version of a higher power.

Why They Are Important: Although America has traditionally identified as a Christian nation, the religious landscape has shifted in recent years. Still, only 23 percent of Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated, meaning the vast majority of the country still consider themselves religious. Different denominations and faiths tend to vote according to party lines: 56 percent of Evangelical Protestants are affiliated with the Republican Party, while 69 percent of all Buddhists consider themselves Democrats.

Hot button issues for religious voters may include abortion rights, family values, religious liberty and separations of church and state.

The Pew Research Center provides this research on how a range of different denominations identify with different parties and platforms.

Who: Any individual with a physical, cognitive, developmental or other type of disability.

Why They Are Important: Americans with disabilities represent 19 percent of the country’s population, or one-fifth of all those eligible to vote. Still, only 27.5 percent of voters with disabilities took part in the 2012 election, mostly due to voting difficulties. The Election Assistance Commission is working to resolve issues during the last major election to ensure more voters with disabilities are able to make their voices heard.

Hot button issues for voters with disabilities may include the health care, education, accessibility, funding for research, minimum wage versus living wage and mental health resources.

Individuals who want to learn how this act and other laws protect the voting rights of Americans with disabilities can review this document provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Who: Female Americans

Why They Are Important: Women in America currently make up 50.8 percent of the population, but it’s not only their slightly higher numbers that makes their vote important. Since 1964, the percentage of women who went to their polls has been higher than men: in the 2012 election, 71.4 percent of all American women voted, compared to just 61.6 percent of men. Women have the opportunity to affect change every time they vote in an election.

Breaking It Down: Voting Rights & Rules

When George Washington was elected America’s first President, only six percent of the country was allowed to vote. Voting rights have expanded significantly since 1789, but it took much devotion and sacrifice to ensure every eligible American has the opportunity to take part in this civic activity. Here are the rights every U.S. citizen has when it comes to voting.

NATIONAL RIGHTS & RULES

Age Requirements

All voters in national elections must be 18 at the time of the election. Some states allow individuals who are 17 to vote in the primaries, provided they will be 18 when the general election takes place.

Disability Assistance

According to federal provisions, individuals who are visually impaired, unable to read or write, or affected by another disability are allowed to bring someone to provide assistance while casting their vote. A few states also provide curbside voting for voters who can’t easily leave their vehicles.

Help for First-Time Voters, Others

Individuals may feel a bit nervous the first time they step into the polling station, but federal law allows poll workers to offer extra assistance to these voters. Voters are also allowed to ask for help if their polling station has installed new equipment since the last time they went to the polls.

STATE-SPECIFIC RIGHTS & RULES

Voter Identification

As of 2016, 33 states had laws requiring some type of identification be shown on election day. Individuals planning to cast a ballot should research the rules of their state before setting off for the polling station.

Early Voting

This method of voting was developed to provide Americans with every opportunity to make their voice heard, even if they are out of town or otherwise engaged on election day. Most states have rules in place about early voting, including approved locations and set dates. These can be found by contacting a local voting official or viewing a complete list provided by Vote.org.

Closed vs. Open Primaries

Although primaries run the gamut between closed and open voting – with other options including partially closed, partially opened, top two, and open to unaffiliated voters – each type relates to whether or not voters unaffiliated with a party can vote. While closed primaries don’t allow unaffiliated voters to vote for partisan candidates, open primaries will accept votes for either candidate from those who aren’t registered with a specific party. Check your state’s primary designation with the National Conference of State Legislators.

Choosing a Party or Political Affiliation

The political spectrum in America is traditionally been described on a left to right axis, with Democrats on the left, Republicans on the right, and Independents resting across the middle. The two parties make up the mainstay political system, with smaller parties such as Libertarians and Greens peppered amongst them. Declaring a party affiliation is only required to vote in closed primaries, so students and other first-time voters can decide whether or not they want to align or remain independent when it comes time to vote.

As one of the two main parties of America, the Democratic Party has been in operation since 1828. The current Democratic Party, popularized by a donkey logo, follows a modern liberal platform focused on human rights, equality, universal healthcare, affordable education, environmental sustainability and progressive taxation based on income.

The current iteration of the Green Party was formed in 2001 on the back of several earlier groups. The party espouses four values, including ecological wisdom, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence. Sometimes referred to as Greens, there are currently 137 elected officials from this party serving throughout the country. In terms of platform, it is most closely aligned to the Democratic Party.

Created in 1971, the Libertarian Party is focused on minimizing government and maximizing freedom. As fierce proponents of small, non-invasive governing, the libertarian platform is fiscally conservative yet socially liberal. The party also takes a non-interventionist stance on issues related to foreign policy.

Also commonly referred to as the GOP, or Grand Old Party, the Republican Party is one of the two main American political parties and was founded in 1854. As the party of Lincoln and Roosevelt, the platform traditionally revolves around small government, free enterprise, family values, tighter immigration policies and gun ownership rights.

Although there is an Independent Party, not all politicians that run with independent status follow the same system of beliefs and platforms. Each Independent candidate should be thoroughly researched to determine their primary objectives, priorities and personal beliefs. The actual Independent Party focuses on upholding unalienable rights while stressing family and citizenship, limited taxation, free enterprise and government’s responsibility as an agent of and for the people.

NON-PARTISAN, OR NOT CHOOSING AN AFFILIATION

Although America’s traditional political values are based around political parties, some voters may choose to remain non-partisan, or unaffiliated. Citizens who choose to be non-partisan are often drawn to stances and beliefs of multiple parties, yet also disagree with some ideologies within those them as well. By remaining non-partisan, these voters select candidates based on individual elections versus exclusively towing a party line. The most important thing non-partisan voters should keep in mind is their state’s method of conducting primaries.

Semi-Closed Primary

Non-partisans may choose which party primary they would like to vote in.

Quiz: Which Party Do You Identify with Most?

One of the biggest questions students and other first-time voters may have is how each party’s platform aligns to their beliefs. The stances different political parties take on hot-button issues such as universal healthcare, environmental rights and foreign policy can vary greatly, but the quiz below helps first-time voters learn how their views are represented in the political spectrum. Get clicking to see how much your beliefs align with each party on the following major issues.

Source: Democrats.org, GP.org, GOP.com, LP.org

I am most drawn to the following word:

Question1 of 8

a

Liberal

b

Alternative

c

Moderate

d

Idealist

e

Conservative

This statement best matches my stance on climate change:

Question2 of 8

a

We need more environmental restrictions and regulation to protect our planet.

b

Climate change is the most pressing global issue to date.

c

Climate change needs to be addressed, but it is not my biggest priority.

d

Businesses should take the initiative to protect the environment and natural resources on their own.

e

Science doesn't support overly-aggressive environmental regulation campaigns that restrict business and industry.

This statement best matches my stance on abortion:

Question3 of 8

a

Abortion is an unrestricted right and should remain that way.

b

A woman has the right to control her own body, and national health care should cover abortion.

c

There is a lot of gray area here.

d

The government should not regulate abortion or any other medical procedure.

e

I support human life starting at conception.

This statement best matches my stance on national security:

Question4 of 8

a

Investing in intelligence, sharing information and diplomacy with global allies is the best way to protect our nation.

b

The U.S. should work to abolish nuclear weapons and the stockpiling of other chemical or biological weapons.

c

The government may be monitoring us too much, but national security is a real concern.

d

We should support military funding for our own initiatives, but limit involvement in global peacekeeping.

e

Military action is a necessity, and should be used as a strategy to deter terror attacks against the United States.

This statement best matches my stance on economics:

Question5 of 8

a

Our economy is headed in the right direction, but we still need more tax reforms that help working families.

b

Wealth inequality is growing; we need a sustainable solution to reduce national debt and address issues like poverty and homelessness.

c

Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, but people should not be allowed to take advantage of government services.

d

People should have the right to keep the money they earn at work. The IRS and income tax should be abolished.

e

The so-called economic rebound has been disappointing. High corporate taxes are preventing job creation, and hyper-taxation is not the answer.

This statement best matches my stance on health care:

Question6 of 8

a

The Affordable Care Act has helped more Americans get health coverage. This was an important step toward health care reform.

b

Every person should have access to adequate, affordable health care. The government should offer medical services for all.

c

Health care is still unaffordable, and we need a better solution than what the current system offers.

d

Individuals should be allowed to choose the level of health insurance they want, and if they want to have health insurance at all.

Civil rights should be the same for all Americans, and supporting marriage equality, non-discrimination policies and equal pay for equal work is important.

b

Barriers based on racism, sexism, heterosexism and ageism should be eliminated and respect for ethnic, racial, sexual and spiritual diversity is key.

c

I support civil rights, and activism is important when done correctly.

d

Gender, sexual orientation or immigration status should not impact the government's treatment of a person. The government should protect every individual's right to life, liberty and property.

e

Family is the cornerstone of America, and the cornerstone of family is natural marriage between one man and one woman.

This statement best matches my stance on higher education:

Question8 of 8

a

Increasing access to higher education and expanding college financial aid is important, as is making it easier for students to pay back loans.

b

Student loans should be available to all college students, with forgiveness for graduates who go into public service occupations.

c

Earning a college degree is important, and college affordability is a growing issue.

d

Education is a personal responsibility, it's not the government's job to control or regulate it.

e

Government should not be originating student loans. Students should have more private financing options, and creating more private educational institutions should be encouraged.

Result

Reset

Source: Democrats.org, GP.org, GOP.com, LP.org

Degrees = Votes

Regardless of age, education level is a significant factor when it comes to voting in the U.S. 56 percent of Americans with a bachelor’s degree cast their vote in 2014, compared to only 22 percent of those without a high school diploma.

Myth vs. Fact: What to Expect at the Polls

Let’s face it: the idea of voting can be intimidating if you haven’t done it before. Whether you aren’t sure if you’re properly registered or are worried about being judged when or on how you vote, keep reading to learn more about how these common misconceptions can be easily dispelled.

I can’t vote if the address on my driver’s license is different from the address on my registration.

MYTH: Even if you’ve moved since updating your driver’s license, you still are fully within your rights to vote. Your driver’s license is used to confirm your identity, so the address listed doesn’t matter.

FACT: Your address doesn’t matter as long as you show up to the right polling station.

The most important thing to remember is that you must show up to your assigned polling station. Individuals who turn up to the wrong location will not be on the list and will either be turned away or required to fill out a provisionary ballot.

You aren’t allowed to see the ballot before voting.

MYTH: Voter fraud is treated very seriously and great care is taken to ensure ballots are managed properly. That being said, election commissions also want voters to be informed before they fill out a ballot – either on paper or electronically.

FACT: Sample ballots are available via your state or local election official.

Sometimes these are sent out in the mail or given as part of the registration process, otherwise voters can request sample ballots. The goal of a sample ballot is to help voters familiarize themselves with the process and feel confident when it’s time to cast a real vote on election day.

Election workers can’t or won’t help voters.

MYTH: Anyone can volunteer to be an election worker, but it comes with certain requirements – including agreeing to kindly help voters with any questions they may have. First-time voters should use their local polling station workers as a resource.

FACT: Election workers are qualified and trained registered voters there to answer questions and provide assistance.

The Election Assistance Commission works with individual states to ensure all polling staff are eligible to work and are aware of their responsibilities on election day. The EAC’s State-by-State Compendium provides an overview of election worker laws and statutes.

I have to vote for every office listed on the ballot.

MYTH: Multiple contests for elections frequently appear on the ballot. These may range from President to local school board members, and sometimes you may not know all the offices up for election until you get to the polling station.

FACT: You only have to vote for the offices you feel knowledgeable about.

Your ballot will not be invalid if you don’t vote for a candidate in every contest. If you feel you don’t know enough about an election or piece of legislation, leave it blank.

Voting in-state as a student will make me lose my federal aid.

MYTH: Because some scholarships are offered to students from a specific state, students may worry they’ll lose funding if they vote where their college is located if they are out of state.

FACT: Voter registration location does not define residence.

Most scholarship funds don’t consider the state where you vote to be your primary residence. Furthermore, federal funds – including Pell Grants or loans – are not affected by location.

Others can find out how I voted.

MYTH: How someone votes can be a sensitive topic, especially for students and other first-time voters if their parents or other important people in their life may have voted differently. Every voter should be able to perform their civic duty without worrying about privacy.

FACT: Your vote is not public information.

No one can find out how you voted, but information about voter registration, party affiliation and your address are public information. That being said, this information cannot be easily accessed, and anyone trying to gain access must give a valid reason, such as for journalistic purposes.

Decades of Decline

Young voters have become less engaged throughout the decades. In 1964, 51 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 voted. In 2012, only 38 percent of the same demographic went to the polls.

Voting Away from Home

Students aren’t the only ones who may be voting away from home. While it may add a few extra steps to the process – including possibly providing an excuse for not voting on election day in your district, or turning in an early ballot – the benefit of getting to exercise the right to vote should far outweigh the time and effort it takes to vote away from home. Here are some simple solutions:

Early Voting

Voters who aren’t going to be near their local polling station have the option to vote early in 27 states. Early voting dates are set by each state, so those with this option available to them should check with the local election commission.

This website lists the dates for every state offering this type of voting.

Absentee Voting

All 50 states currently allow residents to vote absentee, though 20 require voters to provide an excuse of why they can’t show up on election day. These are often due earlier than the actual election day, so it’s important to check the due date with your local election commission.

FVAP provides a range of information for citizens planning to vote absentee.

Changing Residency to Vote

Many college students may be confused about where to vote and if they can use their school address for voter register. This is mandated on the state level, so students should check with both their home state and the state where their school is located for clarification.

This website provides information on student voting for all 50 states.

Presidential Power

More people turn out to vote when a presidential candidate is on the ballot. The 2014 Congressional elections saw only a 42 percent voter turnout while 62 percent of Americans voted in the 2012 Presidential election.

What Type of Election, and What’s on the Ballot?

Although the most publicized vote for the President takes place during the general election, there are many different opportunities to help decide the future of local, state and federal offices. Don’t worry if you don’t know everything about each candidate: most states don’t require poll-goers to cast a mark for every office or ballot measure up for vote.

Type of Election or Vote

What is it?

When does it happen?

Who / What are we voting on?

General Election

A General Election is the election when political candidates are directly elected to office. Voters also choose federal, state and local representatives and whether or not to pass ballot initiatives.

Every four years, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

President, Vice President of the U.S.

Federal Offices: U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

State Offices: Governor; Lieutenant Governor: Secretary of State; Attorney General; State Treasurer; State Controller; State Senate and Assembly members; State Board of Education members; State Judges

A Mid-Term election is used to elect a range of federal, state and local offices in the years when a Presidential seat is not up for election.

Every four years in the two years before/after a General Election

Federal: U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

State Offices: Governor; Lieutenant Governor.

Municipal Offices: Mayor

Primary Election

Primary elections help determine the candidate for each political primary prior to the General Election.

The process typically starts in late January or early February

The candidate from each political party who will be nominated to run for President.

Closed Primary

A type of primary election, Closed Primaries require voters to affiliate with their chosen party and vote for the candidate within that group.

Closed Primaries take place during the Primary Election cycle

The candidate from each political party who will be nominated to run for President.

Open Primary

A type of primary election, Open Primaries allow registered voters to remain unaffiliated and vote for a candidate from any party.

Closed Primaries take place during the Primary Election cycle

The candidate from each political party who will be nominated to run for President.

Convention

Party Conventions serve as the culminating event of the primary season after every state has cast their votes in the Primaries.

Every four years at the end of the Primary season

Each political party hosts their own convention where the nominee of that party is official chosen through the gathering of delegates from all 50 states.

Special or By-Election

Special or By-Elections take place when an office has become open between a General or Mid-Term election

Dependent on when the office or seat becomes available

These elections can be for offices on the local, state or federal level.

Caucus

Serving a similar purpose as a primary, caucuses are arranged by state party officials and used to gather together members of a specific political group. Attendees of a caucus pick delegates to represent the interests of the state at the party convention.

During the Primaries of a General Election year

A caucus selects the delegates who will represent the state at the party’s national convention.

Referendum

A referendum is a special, direct vote on a specific question or proposal. A recent example of a referendum is the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union.

There is no set time when a referendum vote can be called.

This vote is typically not cast to elect an office, but rather to decide a question or to reject or accept a proposal.

Expert Advice for First Time Voters

Brenda A. Gadd has worked in elections, local and state government for over 15 years. In 2014 she managed the successful retention election of Tennessee Supreme Court Justices. She’s contributed to the Brennan Center’s “Bankrolling the Bench: The New Politics of Judicial Elections” and gives presentations on the Tennessee legislature, elections and advocacy efforts. She lives in Nashville and enjoys spending time with her family and checking out the latest local craft brewery.

What should first-time voters keep in mind when heading to the polls?

The most important thing you can do is make sure your registration is complete! Most first-time voters can visit their Secretary of State’s website to confirm. In Tennessee, if you registered to vote by mail, you must vote in person the first time. If you registered in person (by taking your registration form to your county’s election commission office) you can vote in person or absentee by mail. Bringing your ID is also really important in a lot of states, so check with your local official about whether or not this is required. Some of the types of IDs that are typically acceptable include a driver’s license, U.S. passport, government photo ID, military photo ID or a handgun carry permit that has a photo.

What advice do you have for first-time voters who aren’t sure which candidates to choose?

Try to learn as much as you can about them!

For candidates on the federal level, there is a great resource recommended by the League of Women Voters that can help you decide. The Candidates and Where They Stand On the Issues is provided by “ProCon” and lets you review each presidential candidate’s stance on a range of issues. For local and state elections, Vote411 is a reliable, non-partisan organization that collects information from candidates on issues and platforms.

Why should Americans take part in smaller elections, even when they aren’t deciding the President?

Local elections are some of the most important. From reproductive rights to education policy, most of the issues that affect you daily are decided at the state and local level. Nashville just finished a school board election in which only about 15 percent of eligible voters turned out. The school board determines which schools gets funding, so it’s a massively important vote. Right now, the Metro Council is considering affordable housing policy that has potential to helping those who are getting squeezed out by the city’s recent boon.

Why is it important for Americans to vote?

The right to vote is the most important right granted to a U.S. citizen. Our nation’s history has involved discrimination of one group of Americans after another – people having to fight for their right to vote. On August 26, we celebrate women’s equality day, a day on which women who had fought – literally fought and went to jail – finally saw the ratification of the 19th Amendment on that day in 1920. We walk in the path of many who sacrificed so much for our right to vote. It’s important!